Certification FAQs
CCOF Organic Certification Questions:
How do I get organic certification?
Why should I be certified organic with CCOF?
How much does CCOF organic certification cost?
How long does organic certification take?
Does CCOF offer an expedited/rush certification program?
What standards does CCOF certify to?
Can I use the CCOF/USDA seal on my organic product?
What is the Organic System Plan (OSP)?
What about organic inspections?
What if I'm currently certified by a different certification agency?
Does CCOF organic certification ensure international market access?
How do I address organic complaints and problems in the marketplace?
What if I disagree with a CCOF certification decision or action?
Does CCOF have a list of organic consultants and ag advisors?
Processor/Handler Organic Certification Questions:
Am I a “handler” or a “processor”?
How can I label my certified products?
How do water and salt composition relate to how I label my product?
What MUST be on my certified organic product label?
If I have a new label, do I need to send it to CCOF?
What is the “National List” for processed products?
Where can I find certified organic ingredients for my products?
Where can I find approved materials for processing?
What sanitizers can I use?
How do I deal with pests in my facility?
What can I do about pests when the methods provided in the National Organic Program are not sufficient? Can I use synthetic pesticides?
Can I make a certified product in an uncertified facility?
Are there additional measures I need to take if my operation processes/handles both organic and inorganic products?
How do I know if the organic certificate my supplier sent me is valid?
What is an audit trail?
What is a lot number?
How can I certify my body care product?
Grower & Livestock Organic Certification Questions:
Are there RESOURCES TO HELP FARMS GET ORGANIC CERTIFICATION, maintain records, and stay informed?
What materials (fertilizers and pesticides) can I use for organic farming and livestock?
The CCOF certification staff told me they cannot advise me on materials. Is help available?
What organic field buffers are required?
What about organic seed, transplants and commercial availability?
Can I use compost?
Where do I find organic seed?
What are the requirements for manure use?
Can I use treated seed?
Do my transplants have to be organic?
Do feed supplements and additives need to be organic?
Can I transfer parcels between CCOF certified operations?
Does CCOF offer Transitional Certification?
Livestock Organic Certification Questions:
What is CCOF's herd conversion policy?
Can I store organic and conventional hay in the same barn?
Can I use antibiotics on young calves?
Can I pasture my young calves on my transitional parcels (that won?t be part of my certified land upon initial certification)?
If I've called 3 different suppliers for organic hay/alfalfa/grain and can?t find any, or organic feed is too expensive, can I use a nonorganic feed?
Can I use hay from my buffer zones as feed for my organic herd?
Do feed supplements and additives need to be organic?
Can I use natural botanicals or homeopathic treatments for my animal?s internal health care needs?
Can I use natural botanicals or homeopathic treatments for my animal?s external health care needs (including creams and salves)?
Once I am certified, can my replacement fence posts be made of treated wood?
Can I sell an organic dairy animal as slaughter stock?
Where can I get more information about organic livestock production?
Export Questions:
What is an export certificate? How do I request one?
What is a transaction certificate? How do I request one?
My certificate says I am complaint with the USDA/MAFF export arrangement. What do I need to do to ship my product to Japan?
My certificate says I am compliant with EEC2092/91. What do I need to do to ship my product to the European Union?
What is an import authorization number?
Can I ship my products to the European Union if my certificate says I am complaint with IFOAM?
Can I export my product to Switzerland?
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